Latest news with #Harshika


Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Harshika Jain first Indian to sign for Romanian club
Harshika Jain (Image credit: X) At first glance, 22-year-old Harshika Jain's football ing roots don't scream 'history maker'. A girl from a business family in Mumbai's plush Altamount Road, she was just another sports-loving kid who dabbled in everything from basketball to handball to hockey. But by the time she turned 11, football had kicked everything else aside. Two days ago, Harshika became the first Indian footballer to sign with a Romanian firstdivision club, joining Atletic Olimpia Gherla. No Indian has ever featured in Romania's top two leagues before. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Moving from India to play professional football at the European stage, Harshika is following in the footsteps of Bala Devi, Manisha Kalyan and Aditi Chauhan. Her signing isn't just about international firsts; it's also one of persistence, late-night training sessions, lockdown drills, and a young girl breaking into all-boys' teams. Harshika's football journey began at school, where she could always be found on the football ground. And she could be spotted quite easily, too, as she would be the only girl training with boys. It was the same in her locality, where she would always have to play with the other boys as no girls joined it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo The move to Romania came through trial at Olimpia Gherla, where she impressed legendary coach Mirel Albon, the man behind Romania's rise in women's football. After 20 days of trial, the club offered her a contract. 'It feels like family here,' Harshika told TOI. 'And that's important to me. I'm close to my family, and the club environment reflects that. They've welcomed me with open arms.' Despite going global, her dream remains rooted in national colours. 'Wearing India's jersey, that's the dream. Always has been.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Let's not pull her down, says Harshika Poonacha in support of Rashmika Mandanna's 'only actress from Coorg' remark
Kannada actor Harshika Poonacha responded with solidarity to Rashmika Mandanna 's recent statement where she referred to herself as 'the only actress from Coorg'. The statement sparked debates and conversations online, with many pointing out that she isn't the only one and there are several artistes hailing from the Kodava community, including Harshika. Harshika chose to lighten the controversy and said, 'Let's forgive her, maybe it was just a slip of the tongue. But her saying that she's the first actor from the community in Bollywood isn't accurate. Gulshan Devaiah has been part of Bollywood for a long time." Despite Rashmika's factually incorrect statement, Harshika mentioned that the community is proud of Rashmika's journey. 'She has earned a good name in Tollywood and Bollywood. As a fellow Kodavati and fellow actress, I am very happy about her success and the fame she has achieved. Our community is very encouraging when it comes to empowering women. She is doing good, let's not pull her down. Let's encourage her,' said Harshika.


Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Our baby's name honours our Kodava heritage, say Harshika and Bhuvann
Deciding on a traditional name was as important to Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvann Ponnanna as holding their baby daughter's naming ceremony in their homeland, Coorg. The couple, who welcomed a baby girl in October last year, tells us, 'We named her Tridevi Ponnakkaah because she has a strong number three in her chart and also because she was born on the first day of Navaratri and is a gift from goddess Mookambika.' 'Ponnakkaah is a combination of Ponnanna and Harshika,' they add. Bhuvann notes, 'Earlier, a name would immediately tell you where a person came from. That connection to region and identity is fading. So as a couple, we were keen on our little one having a traditional name that honours her heritage. We also considered her personality, making the name a beautiful reflection of who she is,' he says. Of the ceremony, Harshika says, 'The day began with Kodava rituals, including the symbolic feeding of puttu using a gold coin, and transitioned into a celebration of family and friends.'